^^'■ 















^ap^,v'ji;?#f;j!WV^-'>;?^J 




mm^'-'' 



'Ic 



w. 







% 




,=L/ c<^ I '/t^ 


*v 



9C-^,,^c lM- 



c/^^-a 



£>^^^.- /cP/J'. 






■^^^^P^5%^ 



m-ii- 



-^i^mi^fmr'fw^"^-' ■ ^:.«. 'y-.^.- 



.<"'' '^.r\ 



^ 



J;- 



•-"^'a 



SOME ACCOUNT 



V 



OF THE 



LIFE AND RELIGIOUS LABOURS 



\ OP 



SAMUEL NEALE. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED BY JAMES P. PARKE, 

NO. 119, MARKET STREET. 

KIMBER, CONRAD, & CO. PRINTERS, 
1806. 




2 
U 



:w_-Ji« 






IT is hoped that the extracts contahied 
in this little volume, taken from journals 
and other manuscripts of our late Friend, 
may, if seriously perused, be found in- 
structive. Although written in great 
simplicity, yet it is evident they proceed- 
ed from a mind under the influence of 
Divine Love, so operating as to preserve 
in humble dependence upon its holy 
efficacy, and producing the language of, 
** Glory to God in the highest, and on 
earth peace, good will towards men.'' 

They are published with the view of 
preserving and rendering useful such parts 
of his writings, as were thought most 
likely to impress the reader with a sense 
of the goodness of the Most High towards 
the workmanship of his hands ; and to 
draw into a consideration of the operation 
of his Grace, " that bringeth salvation, 
and hath appeared unto all men," which 



IV 



as co-operated with, is found to be a con- 
vincing, converting, efficacious principle ; 
of which the example before us is a strik- 
ing instance. This Grace is the appoint- 
ed means whereby all may be brought 
out of darkness, into marvellous light ; 
and unto the saving knowledge of ''the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he 
hath sent.'' 

Seeing the advantage of an early and 
entire surrender to heavenly visitation, 
(whether it be more powerful as in this 
instance, or as a " seed,'' '' the least of 
all seeds," which if suffered to grow, 
w^ould gradually produce a change equally 
happy) let a wise choice be made ; and the 
danger of protracting the essentially ne- 
cessary work of the soul's salvation avert- 
ed ; that whether in youth, mature age, 
or advanced life, the afftrcting language 
may not impress the mind, " the h;irvest 
is past, the summer is ended, and I am 
not saved." 



" The memory of the just is blessed," 
and the relation of their experiences may 
encourage the christian traveller steadily to 
persevere in faith and patience to the end ; 
that so his termination here may be peace- 
ful, and his change glorious. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

His education. — Powerful visitation of Divine 
Love — and conversion,— ^His appearance in 
the ministry. Page 1 

CHAPTER IL 

Joins William Brown in a visit to some parts 
of England, Holland, and Germany. Attends 
the Yearly Meeting in London, and visits 
Scotland. — His marriage with Mary Peisley. 
--An account of her sickness and death. 27 

CHAPTER, in. 

Visit to Munster, and some parts of Leinster. 
— Visit to Wales, and some meetings in Eng- 
land. — His marriage with Sarah Beale. — Vi- 
sit to the meetings of Friends in South Wales, 
Bristol, and the West of England.— -Accom-' 
panics some Friends on a visit to the month- 
ly and provincial meetings in Ireland. 53 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER. IV. 

Exercises relative to paying a religious visit tQ 
America. — Attends the yearly meeting in 
London. — Returns home through part of 
Scotland, and the North of Ireland. — Leaves 
home for America. — Remarks made during 
the voyage ; his visit to that Continent and 
safe return. Page 62. 

CHAPTER. V. 

An account of his illness in 1786*— -Testimo- 
ny concerning him, containing a further ac- 
count of his religious services, and an ac- 
count of his death. 8^5 



SOME ACCOUNT, Sec, 



CHAPTER I. 

His education. — Powerful visitation of divine 
love — and conversion. — His appearance in the 
ministry. 

'^ I WAS born in the city of Dublin, 
the ninth day of the ninth month, 1729. 
My parents were Thomas and Martha 
Neal, who removed soon after into the 
compass of Edenderry monthly meeting. 
About the sixth year of my age, my mo- 
ther died ; and soon after, my father re- 
moved to America, and left me, with a 
brother and two sisters, under the care 
and guardianship of my uncle and grand- 
mother ; who were very tender of us, gave 
us such schooling as that neighbourhood 
afibrded, and took care of our morals and 

A 



conduct. In a few years my grandmother 
died, and left us under the care of our un- 
cle ; who removed to Christians-town, in 
the county of Kildare ; an estate my grand- 
father purchased, and left to me, if I 
should survive my father, which accor- 
dingly came to pass, he dying when I was 
about seventeen years of age. In my ear- 
ly years, though deserted, or deprived of 
my parents, the Lord my God was near, 
and took me up, and at times moved upon 
my spirit and melted my heart, before I 
well knew w^hat it was that affected me : 
when very young and capable of reading 
the scriptures, and other writings tending 
to instruct me in that which was good and 
profitable, I felt my spirit tendered, and 
enjoyed a sweetness of mind that made 
me very sedate and grave, and often the 
tears would run down my cheeks : in 
these seasons I felt myself very comforta- 
ble ; and had a belief that I was seen by 
the all- wise Creator, who knew all things : 
but such impressions soon wore off, and 
the levity of my natural disposition got in- 
to dominion, when amongst my play-fel- 



lows. Thus I went on for some time, 
when I was attacked by the small-pox ; it 
reduced me very low, and few thought 
I should recover : in this disorder, I 
thought I w^as not fit to die, and there- 
fore entered into covenant that if the Lord 
would bring me through, I would be 
more careful of my w^ords and actions 
than ever I had been before. I still re- 
member some of the prospects I had when 
lying on that sick bed ; but it pleased in- 
finite Goodness to raise me up. I was 
then about my twelfth year ; and after this, 
though I often remembered my covenant, 
yet my natural propensity to youthful fol- 
lies and amusements prevailed much, and 
stifled the good resolutions I had formed, 
so that, not keeping to the sense that was 
awakened in my mind, I too much forgot 
the visitations I had been favoured with 
from the gracious hand of merciful help ; 
and not being enough restrained, I took li- 
berties in hunting, coursing, and shooting, 
whereby I was introduced into unprofita- 
ble company, which often lays a founda- 
tion for repentance ; and as I grew in 



4 

years my passion for these amusements 
increased, so that I was hurried on, as 
Avith a torrent, into irregularities that lead 
to the chambers of death. 

Thus I continued till my father's death, 
which as ah-eady mentioned, was about 
my seventeenth year ; about which time I 
had a dawn of sense given, that my life was 
very unprofitably spent. I knew but little 
of business, and was desirous of being 
placed in some line of life, by which I 
might be enabled, in addition to my in- 
come, to live reputably amongst men, and 
follow some business, so as to be kept out 
of idleness : in consequence whereof, 
when about eighteen years of age, I was 
placed with a merchant in Dublin, a very 
sensible humane man, to serve him till I 
should be twenty-one. In this situation 
I w^as as much, or more exposed than be- 
fore : for having money of my own, I 
contracted acquaintance with many young 
people in that city, very injurious to my 
growth in that which was eood ; and be- 
in g remarkably active and strong, and ex- 



celling most in a variety of bodily exer- 
cises, it made me vain, and emulation 
prompted me to endanger my health, by 
abusing the strength with which Provi- 
dence had endued me for better pur- 
poses. In this time of servitude I got inti- 
mate with several young men in the col- 
lege, I believe some of the most moral 
that were there, and I took liberties incon- 
sistent with the principles in which I was 
educated. We sometimes frequented the 
play-house, and after these amusements, 
and I was on my return home, Oh ! the 
anxiety and remorse that covered my mind, 
and overwhelmed my spirit. I was then 
willing to covenant to be more careful in 
future, and avoid what now seemed so 
distressing ; but when those seasons of 
diversion approached, 1 felt my inclination 
arise with redoubled strength, and my pas- 
sion for gratfying it, like a mountain in- 
surmountable ; so I went, like a man be- 
reft of understanding : when all was over, 
I was ready to accuse myself as one of 
the weakest of mortals, and to deplore 
my unsteadiness and want of resolution, 

A 2 



Thus I continued for a considerable part 
of the three years I spent in Dublin, sin- 
ning, and deploring my weakness, and 
commission of those things that after- 
wards stung like a serpent and bit like an 
adder. At particular times when sitting 
in meetings, I was sensible of the virtue 
of truth, and was very much brought 
down and humbled in my mind : my asso- 
ciates would cry out, " This is a religiotis 
*'fit, come let us take a coach and go to the 
*^ Park, Black-rock, or some such place, 
*' and drive it away :" and thus the good 
Spirit was counteracted by those who 
were not subject to its government, but 
agents to him who rules in the children of 
disobedience, and keeps in bondage and 
darkness. 

I remember in an afternoon meeting, a 
valuable friend was concerned to speak in 
a prophetic line, that the Lord would vi- 
sit the youth, and pour forth of his Spirit 
upon them, and raise up Samuels for him- 
self i I thought she looked steadily to- 
wards me, and her w^ords made a deep 



impression on me : but endeavours were 
used that same evening to eradicate these 
impressions, which, through weakness 
and frailty, were but too successful ; so 
that I feared I should never be able to 
stand my ground, and was almost per- 
suaded to give over striving. But my 
gracious and good Lord still followed me 
with his loving kindness, and at times 
created a hope that I might overcome the 
enemies of my own house : and in time, 
blessed be his holy Name, I felt strength 
to resist their wiles and insinuations, but 
alas ! I had many combats : and I well 
remember a remarkable dream which had 
a very great effect upon me. I thought 
the enemy of all good came and attacked 
me violently, that we wrestled a consi- 
derable time, and I was in great conflict ; 
he brought me to my knees, but still could 
not throw me down, and after much strug- 
gling he vanished. I awoke, and my shirt 
was as if dipped in water from the agony 
of this conflict ; though I was young, it 
made a great impression on me, and since 
that time I have seen my dream fulfilled. 



8 

But for the interposition of the Lord's 
mercies I should have been long since 
overthrown, and become a cast- away ; 
great are his mercies, he still continues to 
be long-suffering, and abundant in good- 
ness and truth to poor rebellious man : 
striving by his good Spirit to draw him 
from sin and iniquity, and calling him as 
out of Egyptian darkness and bondage, to 
come into the glorious liberty of being his 
son ; as is expressed in sacred writ, "Out 
of Egypt have I called my son :" and 
though this alludes to our blessed Lord's 
coming out of Egypt, when his life was 
sought by Herod, it also applies to man- 
kind in general in sin, and in their natural 
state, which may be justly styled Egyp- 
tian darkness and bondage ; to whom the 
call is, by the Spirit of our Lord Jesus, to 
come out of this sinful state, witness the 
new birth, and be baptized by his pure 
spiritual baptism, the Holy Ghost and fire, 
which purges the floor of the heart, brings 
into newness of life, and makes it a tem- 
ple where acceptable prayer is offered up, 
by tiie power and excellent working of 
the pure truth; that prepares every accep- 



table sacrifice, in our devotion and reli- 
gious exercises in our pilgrimage through 
this world. Thus I went on, between 
hope and fear, the remainder of my ap. 
prenticeship ; my frailities often precipi' 
tating me to the verge of ruin. 

During this time I had a visitation from 
the Most High, by a fever and ague, 
which brought me very low ; my former 
covenant appeared fresh in my remem- 
brance, and I was now afraid to ask, be- 
cause before T did not perform. I contin- 
ued for some time in a low condition, un- 
til infinite Goodness restored me once 
more to health, to try my fidelity ; but, 
to my shame and confusion, 1 ran into 
greater evils than ever : thus ungrateful 
and hardhearted, I could fully subscribe 
to that declaration, '' The heart of man is 
deceitful above all things, and desperately 
wicked." I seemed running the full 
length of my chain ; my conviction and 
remorse were at times strong, but com- 
pany and the levity of my temper quench- 
ed these convictions; and I went on to- 



10 

wards destruction, in rebellion and diso- 
bedience against the divine Monitor, 
which, in boundless mercy, still follow- 
ed me. I continued in this state until I 
was my own master, when, intending to 
pay a visit to Munster, to form acquain- 
tances and follow some business, I prepar- 
ed for my journey, equipped like a young 
man of the world, had a livery servant, 
and set forward in good spirits on my ex- 
pedition. As I passed along, I called at 
Paddoc, where Mary Peisley lived, to en- 
quire after her health and that of the fami-. 
ly ; my uncle Samuel Neale accompanied 
me, we made some little stay there, and I 
found myself delighted with their instruc- 
tive conversation : it sunk into my mind 
beyond what was common ; and when 
we left the place, I remarked how plea- 
sing such company and conversation were, 
compared with what was generally to be 
met with. 

I p ursued my journey to Limerick, 
where I staid some days with my rela- 
tion John Taverner : here I fell into very 



11 

dissipated company, old acquaintances 
that I had in Dublin : from thence I pro- 
ceeded to Coik, and on the road felt my 
mind impressed with solid reflections, 
which I have since thought preparatory to 
what soon followed ; for I was conscious 
that my weakness and frailties were great, 
my time running swiftly away, irresolute 
with respect to standing against tempta- 
tion and the allurements of sin, and sin- 
pleasing pleasures. In this disposition I 
reached Cork, and there mingled with my 
old acquaintances, and got new ones. I 
remember being at a play one evening, up 
late that night, and lying pretty long next 
morning, which was First-day, an acquaint- 
ance asked me to go to meeting, and at 
the same time informed me there were 
strangers to be there, telling me who they 
were ; I said I would, for at my worst 
state I generally attended meetings ; so 
to meeting I went, and it was a memorable 
one to me : for in it my state was so 
opened to that highly favoured instru- 
ment, in the Lord's hand, Catherine Pay- 
ton (who with my beloved friend Mary 



12 

Peisley was visiting the churches) that all 
I had done seemed to have been unfolded 
to her in a wonderful manner. I was as 
one smitten to the ground, dissolved in 
tears, and without spirit : this was a visi- 
tation from the Most High, beyond all 
others that I had as yet witnessed ; I was 
so wrought upon by the power and Spirit 
of the holy Jesus, that like Saul, I was 
ready to cry out ; '^ Lord what wouldst 
thou have me to do ?" I was almost 
ashamed to be seen, being so bedewed 
with tears, and slunk away, after meeting, 
to get into a private place. I joined com- 
pany with a religious young man, and for- 
sook my gay companions and associates, 
who beheld me with astonishment. The 
change was very rapid, and my doubts 
and fears respecting myself were very 
great, so that I could not trust myself in 
my former company, lest my innumera- 
ble frailties should prove too powerful for 
all my good resolutions. So I abode still 
and quiet, and kept near these messen- 
gers of glad tidings to me. I went with 
them to Bandon and Kinsale ; and the 



13 

same powerful dispensation of divine vir« 
tue followed me; breaking in upon me, and 
tendering my spirit in a wonderful man- 
ner, in public meetings as well as in pri- 
vate opportunities, which drew the atten* 
tion and observation of many. When I 
returned to Cork, I kept as private as I 
well could, and resolved to quit all my 
worldly pursuits, and follow the gentle 
leadings of that heavenly light that shew- 
ed me the vanity of worldly glory, and 
that the pleasures of sin are but as for a 
moment. 

Our beloved friends intended for the 
province meeting at Limerick, and took 
Kilcommon meeting in their way : where 
they went, I went ; and a considerable de- 
gree of concern grew in my mind, both 
by day and by night : their company was 
precious to me, their conduct and conver- 
sation strengthening ; and the inward 
manifestations of heavenly goodness were 
my crown and rejoicing. My eves were 
measurably opened to behold my insignifi- 
cancy, rebellion and backsliding : I saw^ 

B 



14 

the perverseness of my nature, and that in 
me, as man, dwelt no good thing ; I 
thought I saw that if I missed the present 
opportunity of coming as out of Babylon, I 
was lost for ever ; I was come to the 
length of my chain, my measure was full, 
and if I did not embrace the present of- 
fer, ruin and destruction w^ould be my 
portion. These sights of my condition 
stimulated me to exert myself in watch- 
fulness and care, to pursue with ardency 
the sense that opened in my own mind, 
and to feel after the spring and virtue that 
I witnessed there, which far exceeded 
every gratification that I k new before in 
this life. 

My hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness were great : I delighted much in 
reading and retirement ; worldly things 
had no charms for me at this season, when 
the new creation began to dawn : although, 
at times, I felt that the mount of Esau 
was on fire, and the consuming thereof 
hard to bear, yet it was necessary, in or- 
der that I might w^itness a new heavea 



15 

and# new earth, wherein alone righteous- 
ness can dwell. I went with them to many 
meetings, and still heavenly good attend- 
ed me, which encouraged me to persevere, 
and resolve to be steadfast. I was very 
comfortable in this good company, and in 
that of valuable friends where I came : 
but the time drew near, when I must be 
seperated from them ; and though it was 
a very heavy trial upon me to leave those 
friends, who as instruments, were exceed- 
ingly helpful and beneficial to me in my 
weak state, yet I concluded to return, and 
accordingly took leave of my beloved fel- 
low travellers, and turned my face to- 
wards home, which was then in Dublin. 

This was about the middle of the sum- 
mer of 1751, and in the twenty- second 
year of my age. I journeyed homeward 
in great heaviness ; fear seized on me lest 
I should not be able to stand my ground 
amongst my intimates and acquaintances, 
professors and profane ; being well known 
in that great and populous city, and hav- 
ing had many proofs of my ownunsteadi- 



16 1 

ness and forgetfulness, when heretofore ^ 
favoured with the tendering sheddings of ^ 
the convictions of truth on my mind. 
At times I had thoughts of leaving the 
kingdom, and residing in England (near 
some valuable experienced friends) where 
I might be safer than amongst my ac- ] 
quaintances in my own country, who so i 
often allured and drew me from the paths 
of purity, into the pursuit of lying vani- j 
ties. Thus I reasoned with flesh and ■ 
blood ; but I was instructed to see that 
he who visited me, was able to preserve 
me, if I would but be subject and obedi- 
ent to his wholesome instruction ; and 
that where I had dishonoured him by my 
inconsistencies, there, by my fidelity to 
the law he writes in the heart, I might ^ 
honour and confess him before men. 
These intimations quieted my mind, and I 
I resolved to meet ridicule, reviling, and 
even persecution itself, for the sake of ; 
him, whom I was resolved to follow, as j 
I felt strength. i 

In this state of mind I returned to Dub- 



17 

Iin, and kept pretty quiet, attended meet- 
ings, and mingled with a few select friends. 
In this my weak state I frequently went 
through bye-ways and lanes, to avoid my 
old acquaintances, feeling the cross heavy 
when I met them, and spoke the plain 
language ; as many yovmg people educat- 
ed in our society also do ; and this is much 
to be regretted, for it was the language 
spoken by our blessed Lord and his disci- 
ples, by the patriarchs and prophets, and 
our principles strictly enjoin us to speak it 
to all men ; but alas ! many are unfaith- 
ful, which makes them unfruitful in works 
of righteousness. 

This brings to my remembrance a pas- 
sage in my experience, which may be of 
some use when I shall be no more. When 
with my old master T. S. as an apprentice, 
he had occasion to pay rent to the bishop 
of Ciogher, for one of his correspondents; 
I was sent with the money, and addressed 
the Bishop, not as though I was one call- 
ed a quaker ; he took but little notice of 
me ; I thought he treated me rather with 
3 9 



18 

contempt : it stung me to think I played 
the coward, and was ashamed to address 
him as a quaker ; I therefore entered into 
an engagement that if ever I went again, 
I w^ould address him in the plain language. 
The season came that I was to go, and I 
was warned in my mind to remember 
my engagement : I went in some degree of 
fear; he was just stepping into his coach 
togo to the country : w^hen I addressed him 
as a quaker, he very politely received me, 
and treated me as if I had been his equal: 
when I had done my business, I returned 
•with a pleasure far transcending any thing 
I had felt before, for such an act of obedi- 
ence. I thought I could leap as an hart, 
I felt such inward joy, satisfaction, and 
consolation ; so that I would have the be- 
lovedyouth mind their guide,vand not dis- 
honour that of God in them ; for as we are 
faithful in a little, we shall be made rulers 
over more. 

I staid in Dublin amongst my friends, 
attending meetings constantly, and some- 
times met a select number at Samuel 



19 

Judd's, where I was often refreshed and 
comforted ; the Lord was pleased to be 
with me, contriting my spirit and hum- 
bling me under his mighty hand. The 
mount of Easu was still on fire, which at 
times was very affecting and hard to be 
borne ; and were it not for the Divine 
hand that sustained, I could not have abode 
the fierceness of the furnace : but it is a 
gradual work and must be accomplished ; 
the kingdom of sin and Satan must be des- 
troyed, before the kingdom of the holy 
Jesus, becomes established in the hearts 
of men. 

The house of Saul grew weaker and 
weaker, and the house of David stronger 
and stronger, until it became established : 
so, in a religious sense, conversion is a 
gradual work ; the sinful nature declines 
by the efficacy of the baptism of the Holy 
Ghost and fire, which purges the floor of 
the heart, and makes it a fit temple for the 
Spirit of the Son of God to dwell in. 
This causes a strong combat, a severe con- 
flict, in which the poor creature suffers 



20 

deep probation and tribulation ; but it is 
the way to virtue and glory, and is the hea- 
venly preparer of paths to walk in accepta- 
bly to God : who, gradually cai'rying on 
his own work in the midst of suffering, 
visits by his life-giving presence, to ani- 
mate, cheer, and enable the drooping soul 
to hold on its way ; and so, by this invisi- 
ble and glorious w ork, the day of redemp- 
tion draws nigh, and the poor pilgrim goes 
from strength to strength, and from one de- 
gree of experience to another, rejoicing 
in the Lord Jehovah, the God of the spi- 
rits of all flesh until the work be complet- 
ed : then the poor traveller can say ; ''It 
is not of him that willeth, nor of him 
that runneth, but of God that sheweth 
mercy.'' It is he that works, both to 
will and to do, of his good pleasure, by 
his holy Spirit, as the temple is clean and 
is kept in that state, which is only to be 
done,, as we take heed to the power and 
spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Cap- 
tain of our salvation, w^atching and pray- 
ing that we enter not into temptation : 



21 

then, and not till then, shall the temple of 
our heart be clean. 

After I had spent some time in Dublin, 
my dear friend Garratt Van Hassen, hav- 
ing an inclination to go to Mountmelick, 
to see friends there-away in their families, 
I felt an inclination to accompany him, of 
which he seemed glad. When there, he 
was joined by James Gough, and they in- 
vited me to sit with them in the families 
they visited : I was sensible of divine 
good in most of the families, and had 
some openings similar to those spoken of 
by them in their religious communica- 
tions, which was a strength to my mind. 
I remember in one family there was no- 
thing said, no openings in ministry, and 
in that family my mind was much shut up, 
I felt no openings of light or comfort, 
which made me believe I had something 
of a sense such as these worthy friends 
had, and this was some encouragement 
to me in my infant state. I kept on with 
them in the service until thevhad conclude 
ed ; in general I was favoured in spirit,. 



22 

being often tendered and contrited before 
the Lord Almighty, and, I hope, strength- 
ened In living experi( nee. On our re- 
turn, we called at Christian's-town, and 
stayed a few nights there, where I met 
with a remarkable occurrence ; I had been 
used in former times to walk out with my 
gun and dog: it was a retired way of 
amusing myself, in which I thought there 
was no harm ; and reasoning after this 
manner, though I was very thoughtful 
about leading a new life, yet I now went 
out as formerly : I remember I shot a 
brace of woodcocks, and on my return 
home it rained, and I went to shelter my- 
self by a stack of corn, when it struck 
my mind as an impropriety, thus to waste 
my time in this way of amusement, so I 
returned rather heavy hearted ; dear Gar- 
ratt and I lodged together ; and next 
morning he asked me if I was awake, I 
told him I was ; *^ I have something to 
say to thee,'^ said he, I bid him say on ; 
*' It has been,'' said he, ''as if an angel 
had spoken to me, to bid thee put away 
thy gun, and I believe it is proper that 



23 

thou shouldst put away that amusement :'* 
to this purport he spoke ; and that same 
night I dreamed that it was said to me, 
mtelligibly in my sleep, that if I would be 
a son of righteousness, I must put away 
my gun, and such amusements : it made 
a deep impression on my mind, and I 
concluded to give up every thing of the 
kind and take up my daily cross, and fol- 
low the leadings of the Lamb, who takes 
away the sins of the world. 

We returned to Dublin soon after, and 
I staid there, attending meetings, and 
keepingas much as I well could in solitude, 
until dear Joseph Tomey, feeling a con- 
cern to visit a few meetings in the country, 
I was made willing to accompany him. In 
this journey, I was under a deep exercise 
of mind and great strugglings between 
flesh and spirit, which none fully knew 
but the good Spirit, that searcheth all 
things, and comprehendeth all states and 
conditions. We went to Ballitore, and 
into the county of Carlow ; Joseph was 
clothed with great authority in his minis- 



24 

try, and was made a nursing father to me 
in this little journey by day and by night, 
for we lay much awake, in great tender- 
ness and contrition of spirit, so that I may 
indeed say y I watered my pillow^ with my 
tears. I felt something like a fire in my 
breast that glowed with uncommon heat : 
it gradually increased, and w^as shut up 
there till we came to Mountrath meeting, 
where, as I sat, I felt a great concern to 
say a few words, which deeply affected my 
whole frame, and made me tremble ex- 
ceedingly. After much reasoning, I 
yielded obedience, w^iich gave me great 
ease ; my peace flowed abundantly, and 
I seemed quite in another state My com- 
panion had an excellent opportunity to 
preach the gospel to the people, and the 
meeting ended in a very solemn frame. 
This was the sixteenth of the Twelfth 
Month, 1751. My beloved friend Mary 
Peisly was present at this awful dedication 
of the temple of my heart, and I believe 
had great sympathy with me, beeing deep- 
ly experienced in the way and working of 
truth, and an eminent instrument in the 



25 

Lord's hand for promoting truth and 
righteousness amongst men. After this I 
kept very still and quiet, was much inward 
with the Spirit in my own heart, and de- 
lighted in reading and meditation. We 
went from Mountrath to Edenderry, and 
were there at a marriage : there were 
several people at it besides Friends : I 
went in much fear to this meeting, but I 
was helped to bear my testimony, and my 
companion had an excellent open season 
amongst them. We went from Edender- 
ry to Dublin, where I had much reason- 
ing with flesh and blood, such as, what 
would the people think or say of such an 
one as I, who had been a gay young man, 
a libertine and a persecutor of the holy Je- 
sus ; in his spiritual appearance, to appear 
now as a preacher of righteousness. 

When the meeting day came, my fears 
increased, and in this state I went to meet- 
ing ; it was on a First-day, there was a very 
large gathering, amongst whom were di- 
versofmy associatesand oldcompanions. I 
was concerned to bear my testimony, which 

c 



26 

I did in great fear and trembling : the sub- 
ject was Paul's conversion ; " Saul, Saul, 
why persecutest thou me ?" It was spoken 
in great brokenness, I did not say much, 
but it had an extraordinary reach over the 
meeting ; many present wept aloud, and 
for a considerable space of time. After 
meeting I endeavoured to get away un- 
perceived, though one man (not of our 
society) caught me in his arms and em*- 
braced me. Thus was I sustained and 
strengthened in my setting out in the 
work of the ministry; and had an evidence 
that the people w^ere much reached, and 
powerfully affected that day. 

Afterw^ards I waded through divers ex- 
ercises, and felt deep baptisms attend me, 
for my further purification ; and, on ac- 
count of the people, whose states I must 
feel, if I ministered aright*'^ 



CHAPTER II. 

Joins William Brown in a visit to some parts of 
England, Holland, and Germany. — Attends 
the Yearly Meetingin London, and visits Scot- 
land. — His marriage with Mary Piesly.— 
An account of her sickness and death* 



^^ IN a few days after, dear William 
Brown arrived from America, a faithful 
minister and an experienced elder, who 
wanted a companion ; I was spoken to on 
the subject, and, after receiving the ad- 
vice of my friends, and feeling my way 
open, I agreed to go with him, which I 
hope proved a blessing to me. 

During his stay in Dublin, preparing 
for his journey, he laboured faithfully in 
the vineyard : there seemed an open door, 
the change in me awakened the minds of 



28 

several of the youth, who were greatly 
struck with it, and indeed it was a day of 
visitation to many. 

We left Dublin in the First Month 1752, 
and visited the sundry meetings of friends 
through the nation, both in the particular 
and province meetings, as they occurred in 
our way; holding meetings also in divers 
places, where there were none of our 'soci- 
ety ^resident. We had to experience that 
the God of our forefathers manifests him- 
self to be near those whom he commis- 
sions and sends forth as sheep among 
wolves ; and that it is not the wise of this 
w^orldby whom he speaks, but those who 
arc anointed v»ith the holy unction, pour- 
ed out of his heavenly horn. The divine 
power was over the spirits of many of 
the people, which confirmed me in the be- 
lief, that the Lord will send his servants 
to invite those that are as in the highways 
and hedges to the supper of the Lamb. 
At the last meeting we attended in this 
journey, we were made partakers of the 
healing, sweetening virtue of truth, and 



29 

were mercifully sustained throughout, by 
the invisible omnipotent Arm, that never 
fails those who trust in it. 

Returning to Dublin, we attended the 
iiational meeting in the fifth month. 
When, having obtained the concurrence 
of my friends, we embarked for England, 
arrived at Liverpool the tenth, and the 
fifteenth got to London* We had seve- 
ral precious opportunities during our stay 
there, though my spirit was deeply bap- 
tized, under a sense of my own unworthi- 
ness, and on account of the liberties taken 
by many w^ho make a high and holy profes- 
sion. In this yearly meeting my spirit 
was much humbled within me, the heart- 
tendering power and virtue of truth broke 
in upon me; and I thought if I spent 
such a season every year of my life it 
would be truly profitable. The meetings 
for discipline, as well as those for worship, 
were very consolatory : my spirit was 
much broken and contrited before the 
Most High, and I walked in great fear." 

c 2 



30 

He proceeds to give an account of his 
journey, in company with William Brown, 
through some parts of England, Holland 
and Germany, which, being very circum- 
stantial, it is thought best to omit it, ex- 
cept a few interesting particulars which 
follow. 

^< On the sixth of Sixth Month, we set 
out for the yearly meeting of Wood- 
bridge, and during the time thereof, wc 
were frequently overshadowed by the 
goodness and glory of our God, and the 
testimony went forth in good authority 
and power* 

The third of Seventh Month, went on 
board a sloop at Yarmouth, and, through 
the goodness of a gracious God, landed 
the fifth at Rotterdam. On the eighth, we 
got to Amsterdam : were at meeting 
there, and blessed be the name of the 
Lord our God, we were owned by his 
living presence. In this city we staid for 
some time, visiting the families of friends ; 
exhorting them j as truth opened our way, 



and gave us tongue and utterance, I was 
very thankful in feeling what I did amongst 
them : my spirit was much united to 
some states there, and though I could not 
converse with them, yet there was an uni- 
on and fellowship in spirit, unknown to 
mere worldly minded men. From hence 
we proceeded to Osnaburgh, &c. and oa 
the twenty. third of Eighth Month, went on 
board the packet boat at Helvoetsluys, and 
through the continued condescension of 
the invisible Arm of power, arrived safe 
at Harwich the twenty-fourth. 

The fourth of First Month 1753, my 
companion resting a few days, I was at 
Spiceland, where were Mercy Bell and her 
companion Phebe Cartwright : here I was 
made acquainted with these Friends' con- 
cern, to go to the market place, and street 
adjacent in Exeter, which bowed my spi- 
rit : I was baptized with them, and en- 
couraged them to faithfulness. We spent 
the evening in a solid frame of mind, un- 
der the consideration of this weighty ex- 
ercise : it appeared to me in such a man- 



52 

ner, as made me apprehend that it was my 
duty to accompany them, and my com- 
panion assenting thereto, I freely gave up, 
not without first weighing it well, fearing, 
by being too forward, I might rather hin- 
der the service ; and knowing that the 
Almighty w^as as sufficient to work by 
one (inasmuch as it v/as his will to work 
instrumentally) as by a thousand. Thus, 
secretly desiring to be directed aright, a 
feeling sense opened to go, which I believe 
was strengthening to them. 

On the fifth in the morning, accompani- 
ed by V/illiam and Thomas Byrd, we set 
out, and got to the throng of the market 
between twelve and one o'clock : after a 
time of silence, Mercy Bell was concern- 
ed in fervent supphcation for aid and 
strength to fulfil what she thought to be 
her duty. We then walked up to the 
market place, where she delivered what 
was on her mind : her companion was 
likewise concerned to warn the people to 
repent, for the day of the Lord came as 
a thief in the night. They proceeded 



through the street and often stopped ; the 
i:)eople flocked about us in great numbers, 
and many were reached; and although 
there were divers hardened and stiff*- neck- 
ed, yet, in general, they listened with at- 
tention and soberness. Thus these friends 
continued about three hours, regardless 
of the contempt and mocking of the pro- 
fane. The word being in my heart, was 
put into my mouth, and I exhorted them 
to turn to the Lord, and he would have 
mercy, but if they forsook him and lived 
a life of unrighteousness, they would, 
Avith the nations of all those that forget 
God, be turned into misery : and, for 
thus bearing my testimony for the truth 
of my God, I had the reward of sweet 
peace. 

We appointed a meeting for the inhabi- ' 
tants to begin at five o'clock, which was 
very large ; and, as ability w^as given, we 
declared the truth. M. Bell had an open 
time amongst them, to the satisfaction of 
most, if not all present, and the meeting 
concluded with supplication and praise to 



34 

Him, who fits and qualifies for every work 
and service. In this city, there are some 
professing the blessed^ truth, who are like 
the Hulers of old, that believed, but did not 
confess, because they loved the praise of 
men more than the praise of God. 

Next morning I joined my former dear 
companion, and on the twenty-third we 
came to Bristol, where his indisposition 
• rendered it necessary for him to rest again 
and I, finding my way open home war !s, 
accquainted him therewith. It was no 
small exercise to me to leave him, who 
was made as a father to me in counsel 
and advice : may it incite to a faithful 
perseverance, and cau ;e m.y soul to be ac- 
tive in every point ol duty ; as I believe 
his was. 

I staid in Bristol until the first of the 
Second Month, was at several meetings, 
andean say, the Lord was pleased to be with 
me and to strengthen me : for ever magnifi- 
ed be his eternal Name, for all his mercies 
to^my soul. 



35 

On taking leave of my dear companion, 
we had a religious sitting wherein we were 
mutually comforted, and had to believe, 
that, as the Lord our God joined us to- 
gether, so in his wisdom he separated us, 
and in his love we parted. I proceeded to 
Gloucester and Worcester ; at the latter 
place I met my endeared friend and sister 
Catherine Payton ; here w^e renewed that 
acquaintance which was begun in the 
truth. I staid both meetings on first day, 
which wxre remarkably satisfactory to me : 
the pure life succoured, and I was helped 
to discharge myself beyond my expecta- 
tion. In the evening, we had the compa- 
ny of several friends in a religious sitting, 
which was very refreshing and comfort- 
ing ; and though the apprehension of be- 
ing singly at that meeting had been trying, 
and fearfulness had covered my mind ; 
yet my good master made it easy and joy- 
ful to me, additionally so, by casting his 
servant's lot there at the same time, who 
was so great an instrument in his gracious 
hand towards my convincement and con- 
version : for w^hich continual mercies 



36 

may I be favoured to hear, with humility 
and attention, the words that he conde- 
scends to speak to mysoul, that so I may 
obey, and witness true peace to flow in 
my bosom : for, at this time I can say, all 
that I crave is, ability to worship the in- 
finite All-wise Being aright in spirit and 
in truth. 

I arrived in Dublin the twenty-first of 
Second Month 1753, and attended the 
meetings as they fell in course, until af- 
ter our national meeting; when, with 
the concurrence of my friends, I set out 
for the yearly meeting in London ; where 
were many friends of great weight : here 
I was renewedly convinced of the excel- 
lency of our principles, and of the bles- 
sed union of the faithful, and that no 
weapon formed against them should pros- 
per ; but that the Lord of Power would 
be a sun and a shield to all who put their 
trust in him. This was a memorable meet- 
ing, many living testimonies were borne 
to the pure truth, and our covering was a 
crown of glory and a diadem of beauty ; 



37 

in which state we worshipped the Lord 
our God. 

Soon after my return I took a place 
in the country, intending to reside 
there : it was an agreeable solitude, free 
from noise and hurry, and relieving to 
me, in that season of baptism and refine- 
ment. This place was within the com- 
pass of Edenderry monthly meeting, 
and Rathangan particular meeting, which, 
about this time, had a fresh visitation ex- 
tended from the Most High : we often sat 
under the descendings of Divine Love, in 
which we felt much tenderness and bro- 
kenness of spirit, and therein grew in vir- 
tue and greenness, tending to make fruit- 
ful in every good word and work, and 
there was an increase in spiritual riches. 
After I w^as settled in my new habitation, 
I was very careful to attend quarterly, 
province and national meetings, as they fell 
in course with other religious services." 

The remaining part of this work has been 



38 

extracted from a diary, which it appears he 
kept from the year 1754, to the year be- 
fore his death, respecting which he expres- 
ses himself thus : 

^^ The remarks pemied in passing along 
are, and have been, instructive to my 
own state. The impressions made under 
Divine influence are certainly highly bene- 
ficial and lasting, if we keep as w^e ought, 
in humility and fear.'' 

'' Having felt a draught, for some time, 
to attend the yearly meeting in London, as 
also to visit Scotland, I took shipping for 
Parkgate the twenty sixth of Fifth Month, 
1756, and landed thetwenty-eighth. After 
attending the yearly meeting, I staid in and 
about London till the twenty. third of se- 
venth month: when,beingat Gracechurch- 
street meeting in the forenoon, I experi- 
enced the renewings of inward life and 
peace, as a rewai^d for my labours and ex- 
ercises in that city, and had cause to be 
humbled in mind, and to return thanks- 
giving and praise to the Author of every 



blessing, indeed, worthy for ever, antl 
evermore, amen. 

I left London, and had many meetings 
on my way to Edinburgh, which place I 
reached the twenty-second of Eighth 
Month, and was at two meetings there, it 
being First-day ; divers of other religious 
persuasions came in, who though light in 
their behaviour at first, became very solid. 
The meeting ended to more contentment 
than I expected, considering the wide and 
distant walking of somfe, from the princi- 
ple they profess. The twenty- sixth had 
a meeting at Urie, and though it was my 
lot to suffer much, yet the Lord my God 
was pleased to favour me with his divine 
and heavenly aid, and to bear up my head, 
and to support my spirit, so as to clear 
myself of what seemed my place to deliver, 
which was very close and sharp. Had 
meetings much to my satisfaction, at 
Kingswell, Aberdeen, Inverary, Stonehive 
and Old Meldrum : there was, belonging 
to the latter meeting, a sensible body, con- 



40 

ccrned at heart for the growth and increase 
of truth. 

The eleventh of Ninth Month came to 
Glasgow, and had two meetings. Here 
my companion, Thomas Crudson, and I 
parted ; he returned home by way of Car- 
lisle : and, on the thirteenth, I set forward 
for Port-patrick , where I arrived the fif- 
teenth ; and next day landed at Donagha- 
<3ee. The nineteenth, was at the quarterly 
meeting held near Ballindery ; here I met 
my dear friends S. H* and S. W. with 
' whom I partook, in gospel fellowship, of 
the fruit of the tree of life, and was reflresh- 
ed in a holy and sweet communion. We 
were favoured together, and the meeting 
ended in thanksgiving and praises to him 
who lives for ever, prepares them himself, 
and teaches how and when to offer them up 
to his holy and glorious name. 

The twenty-eight, after having visited 
several meetings in Ulster province, I re- 
turned home, and found my family well ; 



41 

for which, aiidaU other blessings and m€i> 
cies, may living praise and adoration be 
ascribed to the inexhaustible source of 
all good. Amen* 

Thirtl of the Eleventh Month. Having 
long had a prospect of an union with my 
beloved friend, and sister in the faith. Ma- 
ry Peisly ; and^ being desirous to mani^ 
fest that my dependency was not on my 
own judgment in this weighty undertake 
ing, I mentioned it to my relations and 
near friends for their approbation : they 
not feeling any objection, strengthened my 
belief, that the God of my life was pleas» 
ed therewith, and that it was in his coun- 
sel, who had often united our spirits, and 
baptized us into the Spirit of his dear Son^ 
our Captain and Lawgiver, who helps all 
those that trust in him, with the increase 
of his Spirit and Power : and will assured- 
ly give the victory, to allwho persevere in 
well-doing and endure to the end ; vvhich^ 
that it may be our joint experience and 
crown of ^rejoicing, is the ardent breath^ 
B 2 



42 

ing and supplication of my spirit at this 
time. 

First of Twelfth Month. I was drawn 
in spirit to be at Edenderry meeting, 
which proved a good one, I believe, to 
several ; my heart was niuch tendered and 
melted, under a sense of my Lord's good- 
ness : and the gospel went freely forth : 
the wicked were warned, the weak and 
feeble encouraged, and the negligent stir- 
red up. The meeting ended under a cov- 
ering of glorious Goodness ; under the in- 
fluence whereof, praise was sounded forth, 
in solemn supplication, to the Father of 
mercies, in the power and ability of his 
dear Son our Lord, for ever worthy saith 
my soul. Amen. 

Ninthc In meeting at Rathangan, the 
shortness of time was pointed out to my 
view, in a lively manner, in the kingly 
prophet's words : '^ Lord make me to 
know my end, and the measure of my 
days, that I may know how frail I am :" 
this knowledge conveys fear, and incites 



43 

to a state of preparation, to loosen the af- 
fections from worldly enjoyments, which 
are fleeting and fluctuating : for it is cer- 
tain we brought nothing into the world, 
neither can we carry any thing out of it : 
and having food and raiment let us be 
therewith content. We have need to pre- 
pare for our change, watch our steppings, 
and guard against our natural senses, lest, 
being outward and carnally bent, they de- 
file and tincture the spirit, which, in the 
end, will have an habitation according to its 
purity, or impurity according to its holi- 
ness or unholiness. 

Twelfth of Second Month, 1757. Went 
to Mountrath, to see my beloved friend 
M. P. accompanied by some of my rela- 
tions, having an expectation of present- 
ing our marriage before the monthly meet- 
ing the day following : found her well in 
health, through divine favour, but inward- 
ly bowed, under a sense of the important 
change which she was likely to make. It 
was a time of humiliation and prostration 
of soul to us both : and my desires were 



44 

strong and fcrveat, that the Lord of our 
life might pteise to be with ws, and iinite 
us re^ewediy , in his holy unchangeable co- 
venant of Tight and peace. The thirteenth 
we appeared before the meeting, I believe^ 
in awe iand reverence of mind; and a so== 
lemn enjoyment of divine peace and love 
attended our spirits; which centered them 
in calmness and serenity. After attend- 
ing the quarterly meeting in Carlow, went 
towards Ballinakill, with my beloved M. 
P. and some other friends, who wxre going 
there on a religious visit to Friends' fami- 
lies ; and, finding my way open, I joined 
them in that service^ Twenty-second. 
Feeling a disposition still to accompany 
friends in this visit, went with them to 
finish what remained in the meeting of 
Mountrath, and the twenty-fourth return= 
ed home in much peaccc 

Twelfth of Third Month. Went to- 
wards Mountmelick, accompanied by two 
friends to meet my dear friend, MP. who 
was engaged in a family visit in that quar^ 

tero 



45 

Thirteenth of Third Month. Wepresen- 
ted our marriage the second time. In the 
evening I accompanied my beloved friend, 
with others appointed, to a few familes : 
in one of which, she directed her testimo- 
ny to the visitors, in such a manner, as 
much affected our spirits : she spoke of the 
pillars of a house, in an outward building, 
the fewer they were, the greater weight 
or burden they had to bear : so, in the 
Lord's house, those who were faithful 
and upright, must expect to feel weight, 
and the fewer they were in number the great- 
er weight must they expect to feel : she 
mentioned the necessity of standing firm ; 
and had encouragement far such. 

The seventeenth, being the day of our 
marriage, many friends and others attend- 
ed it was a solid, comfortable, and instruc- 
tive meeting. James Gough was concerned 
to mention these words from the Prophet 
Isaiah : '' Thy Maker is thy husband :'^ 
on which he enlarged in a beautiful and 
remarkable manner. In the evening we 
had a time of retirement, in which some- 



46 

thing singular occurred : I was engaged to 
speak of the Apostle's address to the 
Thessalonians, where he called them, 
'' The the church in God:'' it opened to 
my view, that we were to be that Church 
by union and communion with Him ; keep- 
ing under the sanctification of his power 
and virtue ; that relations in affinity or 
consanguinity signified litde, to that of an 
immortal kindred, which is between those 
who are, *' The church in God ;" that tri- 
als and afflictions were the lot and portion 
of the right-minded, designed to bring us 
to a nearer union with our God, and make 
us his church, prepared for him to dwell 
with, and in. I entreated all to prize such 
seasons as these, and to remember, that, 
if they were properly improved, it wouldbc 
laying up for ourselves a good foundation 
against the time to come. My dear wife 
had to speak of the sabbath of rest, that 
when the Almighty had done his six days 
work in the creation, he appointed a sab- 
bath, and sanctified it ; and that, in the 
time of the law, the people were forbid- 
den to do any manner of work on the 



47 

sabbath day ; and said, there were some 
present who would have a sabbath in 
which they should have no work to do. 
This, I remember, she spoke in a few 
words, with great clearness, and the evi- 
dence went with them. Little did I then 
expect that we had each to minister to our 
own states and conditions. 

The eighteenth, we were visited by se- 
veral of our friends, and had religious and 
instructive communion in the openings 
and enlargement of divine love. The 
nineteenth, we spent solidly, in a sweet fel- 
lowship, and my dearest was cheerful and 
well going to bed, but about one o'clock 
was attacked with her old complaint, the 
cholic, in an unusually violent manner, 
and was in great agony ; several things 
were administered which formerly reliev- 
ed her, but nothing now was sufficient to 
repel it : thus she continued most of the 
night, dozing at intervals, after the first 
shock of her pain was over, which did not, 
in its violence and force, last above an hour. 
She lay pretty quiet and still, in an awful 



48 

frame; and would sometimes raise her 
voice in a melodious and heavenly manner, 
through the efficacy and virtue of that glo- 
rious grace which had so often animated 
and enabled her to sound forth praises to 
the King of Saints : and though she did 
not always express herself in words, yet 
there was a language in the sound which 
richly and fully manifested that she tri- 
umphed over her bodily pain, as wxU as 
over death, hell, and the grave : for it ap- 
peared, that she longed to be dissolved, by 
her entreating her Lord to give her a re- 
lease, if consistent with his holy will ; 
which request he was pleased to answer ; 
and about half an hour before her depar- 
ture dismissed her pain : she then said, 
*^ I praise thy name, O my God ! for this 
favour." Soon after she breathed shor- 
ter and shorter, and quietly departed 
about three o'clock in the afternoon, 
the twentieth of Third Month. I was 
constantly with her during her illness, and 
have to bear my testimony to her noble 
and christian conduct. My loss is great, 
in being deprived of a sweet companion. 



49 

a true friend, a steady counsellor, a virtu ^ 
ous example, a valuable instrumental pi«. 
lot and a sincere sympathizer in afflictions 
and trials. But my Lord, who knows 
my motives and views in seeking such a 
friend, will, I trust, look down in pity and 
mercy on my destitute condition, and ad- 
minister heavenly, sustaining help, to an- 
chor my mind in such a storm as this : 
that I may be able so to live to his honour, 
as to gain an admittance into that kingdom 
that is prepared for the Righteous, when 
these few moments shall be over, when 
this mortal veil shall be rent, and the im- 
mortal spirit summoned to appear before 
its Lord. Oh ! that my soul be vigilant 
and watchful in the great work, that I may 
have to join the spirit of my beloved, and 
and her kindred saints, in singing Hosan- 
nas and Hallelujahs to the Lord God and 
the Lamb, w^ho lives and reigns for ever- 
more. 

Twenty-first, twenty-second, and twen- 
ty -third. In a drooping, low, exercised 
condition, under a sense of my great trial ; 

E 



50 

but the God of my life opened a view that 
my dear wife was happy, and I left in a 
state of daily toil and trial, to wrestle with 
flesh and blood before the reward of *' well 
done,'' be pronounced. And methought, 
I beheld, in the vision of that which gives 
the victory, comfort and beauty in the pros- 
pect of running well, and in being vigilant 
and valiant in the work of God : and I felt 
a strong and fervent motion of spirit that 
it might be my lot, so to run, as to ob- 
tain, and so to suffer, as to reign with my 
Lord and Redeemer in the mansions of 
light and immortality. 

Twenty-fourth. The day my dearly be- 
loved wife was interred: it was my desire 
to have a meeting in the meeting-house, 
and it pleased the great Lord and Master 
of her life and labours, to favour with his 
divine presence ; and to exalt his testimo- 
ny above all opposing spirits, and enemies 
of the cross of our Lord Jesus : for which 
my spirit was bowed, and praises lived in 
my heart to his great and ever to be ho- 
noured name ; and at the grave we had a 



51 

renewed evidence of his divine notice and 
power : dominion and authority were as- 
cribed to Him, who opens his treasury, 
and dispenses his blessings and favours, 
ever worthy of thanksgiving and praise 
by sanctified spirits on earth, and glorified 
spirits in heaven. ^ 

Twenty-sixth. Took leave of my friends 
and relations, in a solemn weighty frame 
of spirit, in the enlargement of unlimited 
love, having fervent supplications quick- 
ened in my heart, that we might all be 
kept clean, in the protecting care of our 
Heavenly Father. 

Twenty-eighth. Returned to my own 
house, low and thoughtful. 



* Richard Shacldeton writes thus to a friend, respecting this 
meeting; <« My dear friend (to my great surprize and glad- 
ness) kneeled down beside the coffin which contained the 
remains of his most beloved earthly treasure, and prayed to 
God the Father, in the demonstration of the spirit, and bap- 
tizing power of his Son. From thence we proceeded to the 

graveyard, where Samuel bore a living testimony to the 
people." 



52 

Thirt}--first. Attended the meeting ai 
Rathangan, in which my spirit was re- 
freshed and strengthened. All night, in bed, 
my mind was much exercised and tossed 
in reflecting on the singularity of my trial, 
and I was earnest in mind to have some 
confirmation respecting the cause of the 
quickness of the separtion; which was gra- 
ciously vouchsafed, insomuch that I was 
m.ade thankful and easy : having an evi- 
dence from the Almighty, through the re- 
velation of his Spirit, respecting the re- 
moval of his servant, that her davs were fill- 
ed up. It seemed to me as though she ap- 
peared before me, and uttered these words 
intelligibly : ''As for me, I am safe, thou 
art still in the body, watch well thy ways :'' 
an unction seemed to accompany the words 
that rested on my mind for some days. I 
count it a mercy indeed to be thus noticed, 
and humbly crave help to live diligently in 
uprightness. " 



CHAPTER III. 

Visit to Munster, and seme parts of Leinster. 
— Visit to Wales, and some meetings in Eng- 
land. — His Marriage with Sarah Beale. — 
Visit to the meetings of Friends in South 
Wales, Bristol, and the West of England. — 
Accompanies some Friends on a visit to the 
monthly and provincial meetings in Ireland. 



TWENTY-THIRD of Sixth Month. 
Set out in order to pay a visit to Friends in 
some parts of this province, and in the 
province of Munster, which I had, for 
some time past, believed to be a duty in- 
cumbent on me. Twenty-fourth. Was at 
a meeting in Dublin ; went from thence to 
Wicklow to the province meeting : so 
proceeded to the county of Wexford : 
visited all the meetings in that county, and 
in the province of Munster. The virtue 
of truth rose into dominion many times ; 
and my soul was deeply bowed under the 
renewed experience of the mercy of my 

V ^ 



54 

Lord, richly extended to me in this jour- 
ney. After an absence of six weeks and 
three days, I returned home ; fully satisfi- 
ed that I had been in the way of my duty : 
with this resolution to be willing always 
to trust in my Master, and follow his dU 
rections as clearly made manifest. Hav- 
ing had a prospect for some time past, of 
paying a religious visit to Wales, and 
some parts of England, and the time now 
drawing near, quickens a diligence to leave 
my concerns in such regularity as may be 
easy to my mind; but my principal ob- 
ject is the discharge of my duty, that I 
may do the day's work in the day time, 
manifesting, that I prefer the cause of Je- 
rusalem before my chiefest joy. 

Sixteenth of Third Month, 1758. I 
left home, and after attending the yearly 
meetings in London, Wales and Norwich, 
also several quarterly and particular meet- 
ings; on the twenty-ninth of Fifth Month, 
v/as at the quarterly meeting at Colchester 
for the county of Essex, in which I was 
concerned, both in the meeting for wor- 



55 

ship and discipline, to bear my testimony 
to the truth, of which we make profession ; 
and in support of some branches of our 
christian testimony, too much shghted 
and violated in that country : this day 
felt peace to abound. Next day, in the 
meeting of ministers and elders, also in 
that for worship, I had some service, but 
did not feel so much peace to flow in my 
heart as yesterday, not taking sufficient 
time in delivering my testimony, which 
has often hurt me, and left my mind sen- 
sible of mismanaging ihe work assigned ; 
but, I trust, the Lord my God will remedy 
this infirmity, by keeping me in a holy for- 
titude, granting confidence in the open- 
ings of the Word of life, which, indeed, 
is the only true rectifier. 

Seventh of Seventh Month. I w^as at 
riie quarterly meeting at Kendal. That 
honourable elder, J 'mes Wilson, was 
there ; in his eighty- third year ; w^hose 
living counsel, in testimony, was very 
refreshing, and he appeared in the strength 
of a young man. He told me of a raeet^ 



56 

ing he was at in London, with Thomas 
Wilson, where was a great concourse of 
people, and amongst them two persons of 
high rank in the world, who sat very at- 
tentively while a Friend was speaking, and 
seemed to like what was delivered ; but 
when Thomas stood up, being old, bald 
and of a mean appearance, they despised 
him; and one said to the other ; ^* Come, 
my Lord, let us go, for what can this old 
fool say ?" " No,'' said the other ; ^*let us 
stay, for this is Jeremiah the Prophet, 
let us hear him:''#so, as Thomas went 
on, the life arose, and the power got into 
dominion, which tendered one of them in 
a very remarkable manner ; the tears flow- 
ed in great plenty from his eyes, which he 
strove, in vain, to hide. After Thomas 
had sat down, he stood up, and desired he 
might be forgiven of Thomas, and of the 
Almighty, for despising the greatest of his 
instruments under heaven, or in his crea- 
tion. 

. Eleventh of Ninth Month. My mind 
seems resigned to attend the quarterly 



51 

meeting at Penn-place, and so to proceed 
to Carmaerthen and Haverfordwest, and 
then, if the Lord please, homeward. And 
thou knowest, O my God ! that my de- 
light is to do thy law, and to obey thy holy 
direction : support me, my spirit humbly 
beseeches, to the latest period of my days^ 
to walk in thy paths, that my soul may at 
last have an entrance into that kingdom, 
wherein the righteous, redeemed souls 
have an inheritance. 

Third of T^nth Month. I sailed from 
Haverfordwest, landed safe at Dunleary ; 
and came to Dublin, where I staid several 
days, attending meetings. On the twelfth, 
I was at our meeting at Rathangan, m 
which ancient Goodness was pleased to 
appear, to the tendering of my spirit, in 
commemoration of the mercies received 
in my late journey. I was bowed, and 
my heart reverenced that Power which 
hitherto shielded, protected and preserved. 
In the evening returned home to my fami- 
ly, a peaceful serenity covering my spi- 
rit ; for which, and every other blessing 



58 

received, may living thanksgivings be ren- 
dered to the Lord my God, who is ever- 
lastingly worthy. Amen ! 

Twenty-sixth of Ninth Month, 1759. 
Was at meeting at Ballitore, with my 
esteemed friend C. P. here the mysteri- 
ous fountain of gospel communication was 
admirably opened, and indeed the deeps 
were broken up in my heart, and I was 
mercifully blessed with a sight of my own 
state and condition, which I trust will 
produce additional degrees of humiliation, 
and beget greater devotedness of soul to 
the service of the bounteous Author of 
my being, who alone has an absolute right 
to body, soul, and spirit ; and it is the 
prayer of my heart, most Gracious Foun- 
tain of blessedness, that thou wilt break 
every inordinate affection, and dash in 
pieces every conceived opinion or conjec- 
ture which does not tend to thy own ho- 
nour, and the enlargement of my experi- 
ence in that path of liberty, into which, 
I am convinced, thou hast called me. 



59 

Tenth of Tenth Month. I left home 
to pay a visit to the county of Wexford/ 
My mind has been bowed and low of 
late ; renewed desires have been kindled 
to serve the Lord my God in more de- 
votedness of heart : may the preparation 
be by his own pure Power and Spirit, 
and beget in me an humble acquiescence 
to the turning and forming of his holy 
Hand ; that the dross may be purged 
away, and the temple be purified, to the 
honour of his great and excellent Name. 
Twenty-eighth. Returned home, after 
visiting most of the meetings in said 
county, and also in the county of Carlow. 

Twenty-eighth of First Month, 1760. 
At meeting at Rathangan, my spirit was 
much refreshed and united to the spirits of 
my friends ; an earnest supplication was 
formed in my heart for preservation in fu- 
ture, and that nothing might wrest or 
take from the arms of Divine protection, 
neither heights nor depths, prosperity nor 
adversity : and it is the humble petition of 
my heart at this time, that the Lord my 



60 

God may so open of his heavenly wisdom 
in my soul, as to keep me steady in the 
pursuit of the *' one thing needful ;" and 
so to proportion his strength and power to 
my wants, as to give ability to pass the 
narrow sea of life to his own honour and 
glory. 

Twenty-ninth of First Month, 1760. 
This day in a state of retirement, sweet- 
ly retrospecting and commemorating the 
mercies and favours of the Lord. May 
an holy acquiescence with his will be my 
delight. And work thou, O my God! 
passive obedience in my heart, where 
thou art wont to work, to bring forth those 
fruits with which thou art well pleased ; 
it is only effected by the operation of thy 
invisible Hand ; work, therefore, Lord, 
and who shall let it ? 

Eighth of Fourth Month. This day 
I was marrried to Sarah, the daughter of 
Joshua Bcale, and the gracious Donor of 
every good gift and blessing was pleased 
to attend. Our friend John Griffith was 



61 

helped to declare of the goodness of the 
Lord, and to set forth the excellency of 
seeking him in all our undertakings ; es- 
pecially in that of marriage. It was a sea- 
son of real profit and help : my soul seem- 
ed filled with Divine Goodness. May an 
enduring rememberance of the greatness 
of the Lord's mercy, influence my spirit 
to follow Him in greater degrees of de- 
votedness.'^ 

Soon after his marriage, he settled in 
Cork, and having, for some time, had a 
prospect of visiting some parts of Eng- 
land and Wales, he previously obtained 
the concurrence of his friends, and left 
home in the Ninth Month, 1760. Visit- 
ed the meetings of Friends, generally, in 
South Wales, the city of Bristol, and the 
West of England, and returned home in 
the Second Month, 1761. Of which 
journey he writes thus: 

^^ In this visit the Lord was pleased, sig- 
nally, to bless with his presence, support 
with his power, and refresh with his hea- 



# 



62 



venly goodness : for which he is worthy 
to have the praise of all ascribed to Him, 
who lives Omnipotent and Omnipresent, 
for ever and ever. Amen.'' 



CHAPTER IV. 

Exercises relative t© paying a religious visit to 
America. — Attends the yearly meeting in 
London. — Returns home through part of Scot- 
land, and the North of Ireland. — Leaves 
home for America. — Remarks made during 
the voyage : his visit to that continent, and 
safe return. 

^^ SIXTH of Twelfth Month. This 
night was awakened out of my sleep in so 
remarkable a manner, as to make me ap- 
prehend that something trying was to suc- 
ceed: and on the seventh, as I sat in meet- 
ing, I had some prospects, though at a 
distance, that dipped me exceedingly and 
bowed my spirit* 



63 

Twenty-second of Ninth Month, 1762. 
I accompanied some Friends from Eng- 
land, appointed by their yearly meeting, 
on a visit to the monthly and province 
meetings in this nation. We held a meet- 
ing at Mallow, which tended to the infor- 
mation of the people, and the spreading of 
the knowledge of the principle of truth. 
In the course of this visit, we also attend- 
ed the national meeting in Dublin, and the 
quarterly meeting at Waterford, where an 
ample reward was administered from the 
heavenly presence for all I had passed 
through in this journey ; magnified be that 
Hand which helps in the day of trial. 
Twenty -fourth returned home. 

Twenty-ninth of Third Month, 1763. 
At meeting felt the revival of an impres- 
sion, long since made, with the pointings 
of sweet affection to a distant people. 

Seventeenth of Fourth Month. Had 
another opening of the same prospect, with 
a feeling of love and light, which dipped 
my mind under various considerations ; 



64 

the weight of it greatly humbled and de- 
pressed my spirit, not so much from op- 
position to it, as from a dread of not be- 
ing fit and qualified for such an undertak- 
ing, if it should be required. In the light 
is safety ; may my steps be so ordered as 
to walk therein. 

Eleventh of Fifth Month, 1768. After 
having attended the national meeting in 
Dublin, I embarked for Holyhead, and 
landing safely, attended many meetings 
prior to being at the yearly meeting in 
London : visited divers meetings and 
Friends in that city ; returned through 
part of Scotland to the North of Ireland, 
taking meetings in many places ; and the 
sixteenth of Ninth Month, got well 
home, after a long absence : thanks to 
the Mercy of an holy, all-gracious Provi- 
dence, who lives and reigns for ever ! 
Favour and Mercy have been extended 
through this journey ; for which, may a 
fresh dedication of soul and spirit to the 
Lord's service attend me to the latest pe- 
riod of my life. 



65 

Twenty-third of seventh month, 1769. 
At meeting, in the afternoon, the pros- 
pect of a former opening affected my 
mind, accompanied by these words : 
*' No man having put his hand to the 
plough and looking back, is fit for the 
kingdom." My heart, I hope, is not 
haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: I think 
I am willing to be any thing, or to do 
any thing, when I am truly sensible it is 
required, and that I feel strength. May 
all fruit be fully ripe before it be plucked, 
or handed forth to others ! This pros- 
pect has often appeared to me within these 
ten years past, and I hope I may be ena- 
bled to say : '' Not my will but thine be 
done !" 

Sixteenth of Eighth Month. This day, 
poor and low in spirit, the view of distant 
labour and exercise is affecting, but I hope 
to be resigned, even to death. 

Second of Fourth Month, 1770. I feel 
great sinking and depression of spirit, un- 
der the exercise that daily attends me, in 
F 2 



66 

looking towards a distant land : the sea- 
son seems not far off, that I must move, 
in acquainting my friends thereof. Fifth- 
teenth. At an adjournment of our men's 
meeting, I informed Friends of the con- 
cern I had long felt, to visit some of the 
meetings of Friends in North America, 
which affected the minds of divers ; and 
indeed very much tendered my own, from 
the weight and importance of the engage- 
ment which has attended me for a long 
time, both by day and by night, in sick- 
ness and in health. It was taken into con- 
sideration, and an appointment made to 
draw up a certificate. 

Twentieth of Eighth Month. Preparing 
to go on board ship, felt tranquil in spirit, 
and quite easy with respect to all things in 
nature. It is the work of Grace, nothing 
short of its virtue could reduce to submis- 
sion and subjection, and cause an entire 
relinquishing of things temporal, to fol- 
low after things that are eternal. The 
work is the Lord's and the praise and glo- 
ry of all be ascribed to his great Name, 



67 



who is worthy to be renowned 'by every 
generation of man, for his mercies endure 
for ever P' 

He sailed the twenty- second of Eighth 
Month, 1770. During the voyage he 
made many observations, of which the 
following are part : 

'' I felt the incomes of Divine Love 
sweetly sustaining my mind. My heart 
was humbled in a sense of the mercies 
and goodness of God, daily renewed ; and 
I felt ability to beg for preservation and 
stability in the arduous work I am prepar- 
ing to enter upon* The Lord grant, that 
there may be an entire dedication of heart, 
so as to be capable to stand in my place, 
and whatever may be cast up for me to do, 
that I may do it, to the honour of the great 
Name. Composure, and trust in the 
Lord's arm of power, my attendants, for 
which I bless his Name." 

It appears that he passed much of his 
time, while on ship-board, in reading tlie 



68 

scriptures, and the writings of valuable 
Friends, to his comfort and edification. 

Near the conclusion of the voyage, he 
^felt an inclination to have a religious meet- 
ing with the ship' s-company, but, by giv- 
ing way to discouraging thoughts, he let 
the opportunity slip ; which he had 
cause to regret, and remarked : ^' I hope 
experience will teach greater degrees of 
obedience.'' 

He writes : '' Composed in mind, 
from a sense of inward peace, and the 
unity of my brethren whom I have left 
behind ; this is a staff to lean upon in the 
midst of trials, and, next to Divine fa- 
vour, one of the greatest blessings." At 
another time : *' Was rather low from va- 
rious considerations, the weight of the 
work, and the inexperience of the instru- 
ment. I trust I shall be preserved little 
and low." 

When they had safely come near the 
shore, he wrote : ^^ I trust I am thankful 



69 

for the Lord's mercies and favours daily 
dispensed, and can say, in humility, I have 
not murmured since my coming on board; 
but have been mercifully preserved in a 
sense of his goodness. I hope for this 
blessing to be continued, that, according 
to ability, I may labour in the vineyard, 
and work the works of Him, who has cal- 
led me, with his high and holy calling.''' 

Helandedthe Eighteenth of Tenth Month, 
1770, at Newcastle, near Philadelphia, 

It appears, that he paid a very exten- 
sive and acceptable visit to Friends in 
North America, in which he was diligent- 
ly engaged till the time of his departure, 
the tenth of Eighth Month, 1772. Ma- 
ay instructive remarks are contained in 
his account of this journey and visit ; 
and, by the following extracts, it is evi- 
dent that he was favoured with best help 
in the course of his labours, and felt the 
sweet incomes of peace, on his return 
homCo 



70 

'' Twenty.first of Tenth Month, 1770, 
First-day. I ;was at three meetings. The 
morning meeting, was a season of much 
refreshment to my mind : the afternoon 
meeting was solid ; and that, in the 
evening, was attended with impressions of 
Divine Favour, which raised thankful- 
ness in my heart : the Lord our God is 
gracious and merciful ! 

Eleventh of Second Month, 1771. I 
had a very tendering season, in a Friend's 
family, in the love of our Lord Jesus 
Christ : admittance was vouchsafed to 
the Lord's heavenly table in supplication, 
wherein many of my friends and relations 
were brought very near in the spring of 
life, and it was a season of Divine Favour 
to our souls, in which we rejoiced, and 
praised the Lord's holy Name and Power. 

Sixth of Fifth Month. At the quarter- 
ly meeting in Philadelphia ; 'the meeting 
for business was held after a sitting in si- 
lence, to prepare the spirits of Friends to 
act in the discipline. I had something to 



71 

say in this meeting, but left it uneasy, be- 
cause (through a fear of prolonging the 
meeting beyond the proper time) I omit- 
ted part of the matter that was before me.* 
There is great need of care in this respect, 
as well as not to exceed the bounds which 
Truth prescribes. May Divine Goodness 
open our understandings, and more and 
more replenish our minds with that faith, 
Avhich overcomes slavish fear, and gives the 
victory. 

Eighteenth of Seventh Month. At 
Upper Springfield. This evening in a very 
low poor state, being exceedingly strip- 
ped in my mind. In this solitary situation 
I walked out into the woods, where I felt 
something of the spring of Divine kind- 
ness, which raised a hope, that help was 
near, though seemingly concealed from 
me. 

Nineteenth. Was at Mansfield ; where 
was a very large meeting, Friends from va- 
rious quarters giving their company : in 
this meeting I was helped beyond my ex- 



72 

pectation ; the Gospel spring rising and 
spreading, more than for several meetings 
past^ and my spirit reverenced the Power 
that withdre;w, and afterwards raised into 
life. 

Twenty-eighth. We were at Abington. 
In the meeting for worship I had little to 
say, but that little afforded relief. In the 
meeting for discipline, I had to speak to 
the various affairs that came before us, ia. 
which my companion, Robert Valentine, 
laboured faithfully, and I hope it was a 
time of instruction. There seemed to be a 
remnant of honest Friends, desirous of Zi- 
ojd's properity, .and the maintenance pf 
thediscipline; which iaasa hedge set about 
u$, in the wisdom of Truth : where it is 
supported there appears greenness, but 
where dropped or let fall, withering and 
decay generally prevail. 

Twenty-fifth of Ninth Month. At 
the yearly meeting in Philadelphia. The 
meeting for business met at ten o'clock, in 
which truth owned, and favoured with 



73 

fresh ability to speak to the affairs that 
came before it : so that some of us could 
say, in truth, our meeting for business was 
a meeting of worship : it was adjourned to 
four, and finished about seven o'clock. 
The solid power and life of truth was 
sweetly felt, in this, the close of our meet- 
ing ; and we came away thankful and 
humble, under a sense of Divine Favour, 
and that the Lord our God was revealed 
unto us ; for which my soul adored his 
great and glorious Name, and 1 could 
say, through living experience, that salva- 
tion and strength belong unto the Lord 
and to his Christ, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Twentieth of Second Month, 1772. 
Radnor meeting was in a good degree live- 
ly, being favoured with the running of 
the heavenly oil, which was truly comfort- 
ing to my mind ; having been much strip, 
ped as to spiritual enjoyment, and under 
baptism for many days, though resigned. 



74 

The evening of the twenty.first, sotnc 
Friends were at my lodging, with whom 
had a silent sitting, in a communion tru- 
ly delightful, which I thought a reward 
for what I had passed through this week. 

Fourth of Fourth Month. Continued 
in Philadelphia until the Nineteenth ; visit- 
ing the meetings and families of Friends, 
as truth opened my way ; during which 
time I had some dipping seasons, and try- 
ing, exercising moments, but, amidst all, 
was mercifully sustained, and enabled to 
get through my service. 

Twenty- second. In Philadelphia, pre- 
paring for my journey to Oblong, having 
felt drawings, for some weeks past, to be 
at their ensuing quarterly meeting. It has 
been a sifting time, but my mind is 
brought into a disposition to be what the 
Lord my God would have me to be ; 
and to follow the leadings of his blessed 
and unerring spirit; for, though human 
frailty is great, yet weak things are some- 



75 

times made strong, even to confound the 
wise and prudent of this world. 

Sixth of Sixth Month. Went on board 
a vessel bound to Cork, to feel if I could 
go iri her^ but found a stop or bar, which 
brought me into close exercise ; but as I 
know my motive is to be clear of this 
people, and to discharge my duty, I am ea- 
sy, and have resigned myself to Divine 
Disposals 

Thirty.first of Seventh Month. At the 
monthly meeting in Philadelphia. In the 
men's meeting we felt living uniting vir- 
tue, and the business was conducted in 
true desire for an increase of harmony and 
spiritual strength : many instructive hints 
were dropped in answering the queries. 

First of Eighth Month. The quarter- 
ly meeting for ministers and elders was 
held ; which meeting was owned with the 
Tital power and virtue of truth, and the 
body I belive was edified in love. 



76 i 

Second. Attended three meetings, in ^ 
all which, I was helped to bear testimony \ 
for the truth of our God, and to labour in I 
the ability that was revealed : living praise 
te ascribed to Him who lives for ever, and , 
who, through grace, enables dust and ashes 
to stand in dominion over the opposing ! 
spirits of carnal men. ^ i 

Third. The quarterly meeting met at 
Fourth- street, and was very large ; I was 
exercised, much to my own ease, both in 
the meeting for worship and that for disci- ' 
pline, and strength was granted to drop 
several remarks, which much relieved my , 
mind. i 

i 

Fourdi. The youth's meeting was j 

held : it was large, and I laboured in the { 

authority truth gave : it ended in praises j 

and thanksgiving to the Lord our God. ] 

i 

•i 
Fifth. Preparing for my return home, 

^iid visiting and taking leave of my friends* 1 



77 

Sixth, Was at Market- street meeting ; 
it was large ; and, though I went into the 
meeting very poor and empty, yet possess- 
ing faith in the sufficiency of that Power 
which is not of man but of God, I was 
enabled to deal very closely with some 
there, who had chosen their own ways, 
and to hand encouragment to the young 
and rising generation, in a sweet stream of 
gospel love : the meeting ended under a 
solemn sense of the Lord's goodness and 
mercy ; for which, and every favour ex- 
tended, may the hur»ble in heart say, 
^* Good is the Lord. His works are won- 
derful and his ways past finding out*'' 

Seventh and eighth. Visiting my 
friends, and preparing to embark for my 
i]ative land : felt near sympathy with many 
of the Friends of this city, andparticulary 
the youth. 

Ninth. Was at three very large meet- 
ings, which, were favoured with the Di- 
vine Presence ; tongue and utterance were 
mercifully administered ; the blessed Lord 
G 2 



78 

of life strengthened my mind by the reve- 
lation of Power from on high, which set 
me above the spirits of the people. It 
was a day of favour to my soul, and in all 
those meetings I was supplied and replen- 
ished far beyond my expectation ; and 
had to praise the Lord for his mercies and 
blessings to his creature man. Reverence 
and awe deeply impressed my mind, un- 
der a sense of the Lord's gracious deal- 
ings to such a poor weak being as I am. 

I went on board a good vessel bound 
for Cork, but could not see my way in her, 
though in appearance, much better and 
more complete than another bound for 
Waterford, and not likely to sail so soon. 
But, as my intention was to move in that 
which brought me from my native land, I 
committed myself iato the keeping of a 
faithful Creator, and cast not my depen- 
dance upon outward observation, but on 
His eternal arm of strength that led me 
into this service, has graciously sustained 
and succoured in the needful time, and 
has been a present help when all outward 



79 

help was invisible : for which favours and 
mercies, may my soul bless his great and 
adorable name, for he is worthy to be fol- 
lowed, served, feared and obeyed, world 
without end. 

Tenth. Took leave of many Friends in 
the tender love of God, in a manner suit- 
ed to the solemnity ; a multiplicity of 
words did not attend our separation, but 
a living sense of the enjoyment of that 
life and virtue, which goes beyond the 
grave. 

I went on board the Charlotte, Richard 
Curtis, bound to Waterford ; and, as the 
time was come to part, I rejoiced in the 
power of an endless life, and was quiet 
and composed. I was accompanied as far 
as Chester by several Friends ; we came 
to anchor in the evening. 

Eleventh. Weighed anchor, had a 
pleasant day, read the scriptures, and was 
sweet and well in my mind ; and thankful 
in soul, for the feeling of great nearness 



80 

to my well beloved friends on this con- 
tinent. 

The consciousness of having endea- 
voured to discharge my duty, sits exceed- 
ingly pleasing : thanks be ascribed to Him 
who is the author of ability, wisdom and 
strength ; for to man, as man, belong- 
eth nothing that is good, but to the Lord, 
only wise, dominion, honour and praise, 
for ever» 

Twentieth. Sat alone, and was desirous 
that a heart might be given and continued, 
to remember the kind dealings of a graci- 
ous God, who wonderfully sustained in 
tliis journey, furnished for the labour of 
the day, gave me a place amongst the liv- 
ing in his family ; and, at my departure, 
favoured me with an incontestible evi- 
dence that I was in my place, and had 
stayed the proper time and no longer : this 
is what I desired fervently ; also that he 
would be graciously pleased to restore me 
to my friends, and unite us in the bond of 
spiritual fellowship. 



81 

Twenty -first and twenty- second. A 
pleasant breeze continued in our favour : 
read the scriptures, and was pleasantly 
composed, under a thankful sense of the 
many mercies and favours communicated 
to this hour. May ability be further 
vouchsafed, to bemore and more sensible 
of the innumerable obligations I am under 
to the bounteous and inexhaustible trea- 
sury of goodness, infinite and immense. 

Twenty-fourth. Spent the time very 
pleasantly and sweetly in my voyage, 
having an easy mind, free from anxiety 
and gloom. 

Twenty-eighth. My time much taken 
up in reading the scriptures and other 
profitable works, which sweetened my 
mind, secretly sustained it, and kept it in 
the harbour of resignation and patience, 
which I esteemed a great blessing and fa- 
vour. May the sweet influence of Di- 
vine Love, so operate, as to make me 
more and more sensible of the benefit of 
keeping under the goverment of our Lord 



82 

Jesus, who is King of kings, and Lord of 
lords, and who crowns with immortality 
and eternal life. 

Fifth of Ninth Month. A pkasant 
breeze in our favour. My mind compos- 
ed, utider a sense of the enjoyment of 
that peace, which is given to those who 
endeavour to perform their Master's will. 

Thirteenth, First-day. It blew a fresh 
breeze at south east, which brought us 
near Cork harbour ; but as the sea ran toa 
high to attempt going on shore in a boat, 
I contented myself with going to the de- 
signed harbour, which was Waterford; 
and arrived there safely in the afternoon, 
after a passage of thirty days, from land 
to soundings,^ and thirty-four from Phila- 
delphia to Waterford. 

Very merciful were the dealings of Hea- 
venly Goodness to me in this voyage! 
One thing, w^orthy of notice is, that the 
vessel bound for Cork, in which I was not 
easy to embark, sailed ten days sooner 



83 

than we did, and put into Waterford 
about three hours before us. 

This instructed my mind to trust in the 
arm of Divine Help and Sufl&ciency , which 
is revealed for all those who humbly con- 
fide therein. Some of my friends urged 
the age of the Charlotte as an objection to 
my going in her ; but believing her to be 
the right vessel, and the monthly and quar- 
terly meeting for Philadelphia coming on^ 
I staid, and resigned myself to Divine 
Disposal, which yielded peace, and made 
my heart rejoice ; for, by the detention, I 
attended those meetings, which were much 
favoured ; and it seemed to be a Crown 
to my labours on the Continent : for had 
I gone in the other I should have missed 
them, been ten days longer at sea, and 
should have come with only part of my 
reward; so that I can say, the Lord is 
worthy of adoration and praise. 

Fifteenth, After attending the week- 
day meeting in Waterford, in which I felt 
afresh the spring of life and consolation to 



84 

unite and refresh ; I came to Clonmel : 
and the sixteenth, got well home, and 
found my dear wife and family in health; 
for which, and all other mercies, I desire 
to bow in prostration and dedication of 
soul. 

Eighteenth. At our week-day meet- 
ingin Cork, through the mercy and good- 
ness of the great Lord of the creation, 
I felt my mind prepared to unite to the 
spirits of my friends present, and to re- 
verence and worship his great Name, who 
lives for ever. 

Twenty -second. When I consider the 
mercy extended to me in my distant tra- 
vel in different climates, over dangerous 
rivers and swamps, the spiritual support I 
daily experienced, the unity of the living 
with my labours, and my safe return in 
Peace to my native land; language will 
not admit of my commemorating the ob- 
ligation I am under. Therefore may cir- 
cumspect living express his praise ; and 
may I, in holy awe and silence, contem- 



85 

plate his matchless mercy, for he is abun- 
dant in goodness and truth to his servants, 
from generation to generation, for ever 
and ever. Amen.'' 



CHAPTER V- 

An account of his illness in 1786, — Testimony 
concerning him, containing a further account 
of his religious services, and an aqcount of 
his death. 

AFTER his return from America, he 
many times visited the meetings of Friends 
in divers parts of this nation and England. 

In the year 1786, he was visited with a 
severe illness, which continued several 
weeks : after his recovery he writes thus : 
'' The Doctors attended from the twenty- 
first of the Ninth Month, for about eleven 
weeks, in which time I went through 

II 



abundance of bodily suffering ; the Lord 
was good and gracious, and replenished 
my mind in an extraordinary manner, and 
opened the fountain of life in me to speak 
to divers states and conditions : many of 
whom were deeply affected under the in- 
fluence thereof. The inward support I 
felt was very remarkable ; the patience 
and resignation of my mind, amFdst the 
violent pain attending, was marvellous in 
my own eyes ; the sympathy of my friends, 
far and near, was very sustaining ; and I 
look upon it as one of the greatest bless- 
ings in this life, next to Divine favour, 
to have the unity of our friends in the 
time of bodily affliction." 

After this time he seldom had good 
health, though frequently engaged in reli- 
gious services. — In the year 1788, he 
wrote thus : 



'' Fifteenth of Twelfth Month, 1788. - 
Not well of late ; my mind feels merciful- 
ly resigned to my great Lord and Mas- \ 
ter : — I find my natural strength gradually i 



87 

deciining, and a great change in my consti- 
tution since the severe iUness I had about 
two years ago. My greatest consolation 
is, that I have faithfully discharged my 
duty to the best of my knowledge, and 
followed tilt pointings of the Heavenly 
Shepherd who went before me, and sus- 
tained in the performance of his own 
requirings, blessed be his holy Name for 
ever, saith my soul. The consideration 
of these things is now a staff of support 
to lean upon in my present declining state 
of health. I may in reverence acknow- 
ledge that since my feet have been turned* 
to follow the Lord, my God, he has bless- 
ed me in basket and in store ; has hither- 
to helped me in a spiritual sense, and 
made me ta hope in his salvation, vvhich 
is as a crown of rejoicing to me in rhy 
present confinement." 

Some further particulars of his life, 
and an account of his death, which was on 
the twenty-seventh of Second Month, 
1792, are contained in the following tes- 
timony. 



88 



A Testimony from the Merits Meeting of Corh^ 
concerning Samuel Neal^ deceased. 

A S the Lord hath seen meet to deprive 
lis of a living minister of the gospel, rais- 
ed up, qualified, and sustained by the in- 
fluence of his Holy Spirit ; whose exten- 
sive labours of love, after a long residence 
amongst us, are fresh in our remem- 
brance J we find our minds engaged, from 
the best information we have received, and 
from our own knowledge to testify con- 
cerning this our dear and honourable friend* 

He was born in Dublin, in the year 
1729 : his mother died when he was a- 

l>out six years old ; and his father soon af- 
ter went to reside in America. 

It is worthy of remark, that, although he 
was deprived of many of the advantages 
which numbers of our youth are favoured 
w^ith, in a religious guarded education ; yet 
he was an object of the peculiar notice of 
the Great Preserver of men ; having, Qt 



i 



89 

times, felt the incomes of Divine love at 
so early a period as scarcely to understand 
what it was that so visited his tender 
mind : but as he grew up, he gave way^ 
to youthful follies and vain amusements; 
for which he often felt the reproofs of in- 
struction ; but slighted these gracious visi- 
tations. 

About the age of eighteen, he was pla- 
ced apprentice in Dublin, where he was 
much exposed, and suffered great loss ; as- 
sociating with the gay and licentious ; and, 
with them, rushing into iniquity, and, in- 
dulging himself in most of the pernicious 
amusements of that city. During this pe- 
riod he was not forsaken, being followed 
by conviction aud remorse ; nor was he 
suffered long to run on in that path, which, 
with awful certainty, leads down to the 
chambers of death ; but as in the career of 
vanity and dissipation, he was met with, 
in a memorable manner. 

Soon after his apprenticeship he came 
to this city, for the purpose of forming 
H 2 



90 

connections in business : where, as well 
as on the journey, he met some of his as- 
sociates ; and again gave way to irregu- 
larities ; yet, having in his worst state fre- 
quented meetings, and being at a meeting 
for worship here, which our friends Mary 
Peisley and Catherine Pay ton, then on a 
religious visit, attended ; the latter was 
enabled to speak to his state with such 
clearness and authority, that the witness 
in his heart was powerfully reached, and 
the strong holds of sin and Satan broken 
in him. Happily this gracious call was 
not rejected ; he submitted thereto with 
full purpose of heart, and, in the prime of 
life, making an unreserved surrender of 
his will to the Divine will, and turning 
his back on sensual sinful gratifications, 
he afforded a remarkable instance of the 
blessed effects of an entire dedication of 
heart. This precious powerful visitation 
was in the twenty -second year of his age ; 
and, being through infinite Mercy, pre- 
served in, and under it, it was not many 
months until he came forth in the minis- 
try, evidently attended with the baptizing 



91 

power of the Gospel ; which had so 
reaching an effect on many of the hearers, 
divers of whom had been his former com- 
panions, that it afforded abundant cause af 
humble admiration and thankfuhiess. 

About this time, our friend William 
Brown arrived from America, on a reli- 
gious visit to these nations; and, not 
having a companion, he, with the concur- 
rence of his friends, joined and continued 
with him, through most of his travels in 
this nation, parts of England, Holland 
and Germany, we believe much to their 
mutual consolation, and to his own estab- 
lishment. 

In the year 1753, he removed to reside 
within the compass of Edenderry month- 
ly meeting, and continued in the exercise 
and improvement of his gift. 

In 1757, he was joined in marriage to 
that dignified instrument Mary Peisley : 
this connection was dissolved within the 
short space of three days ; it having 



92 

pleafeed the All- wise Disposer of events 
to remove that valuable woman after a few 
hours illness. This heavy trial he bore 
with much resignation to the Divine will, 
manifesting the inward support, which 
was afforded him, by the lively exercise 
of his gift at her interment. 

In the year 1760, he was married to 
Sarah, the daughter of Joshua Beale, a 
valuable elder of this meeting, and, in her, 
experienced a tender faithful companion 
during the remainder of his life. Soon af- 
ter his marriage, he settled within the 
compass of this meeting, and, we believe, 
that it was under the direction of best wis- 
dom ; his Gospel labours, through the 
Divine blessing upon them, being very 
helpful and strengthening to this part of 
the vineyard. 

Having for several years felt a weighty 
concern to pay a religious visit to the meet- 
ings of Friends in North America, witb 
the full unity and concurrence of his breth- 
ren, he embarked in the Eighth Month, 



93 

1770 ; and was enabled to visit the church. 
es generally on that continent, to the con- 
solation and strengthening of many, and 
to the peace of his own mind. He return- 
ed in the Eleventh Month, 1772, and, at a 
suitable season, with great brokenness of 
spirit, gave a diffident, tendering account 
of the said visit, ascribing all praise to that 
power which had quahfied and sent forth, 
and so marvellously to him, conducted^ 
through the various probations attendant 
on such a service. 

He was often engaged in visiting Friends 
in sundry parts of this nation ; was se- 
veral times in England and Wales ; and 
once in Scotland on the same account. 

While favoured with health, he was 
exemplary in the attendance of our par- 
ticular and general meetings ; and divers 
times attended the yearly meeting in Lon- 
don. Thus he continued occupying with 
his gift at home and abroad, until encreas* 
ing age and infirmities of body, became 
some impediment to his labours in that line. 



94 

His last journey was on a visit to Friends 
in the province of Leinster, in which he 
felt a concern, to join some that were ap- 
pointed by the national meeting. In this 
service he evidently appeared replenished 
with the love and tenderness of the Gos- 
pel ; steadly moving under the cover of 
it, and bringing forth the fruits of chari- 
ty, patience and meekness of wisdom. 

Havihg returned home, he found him- 
self still more indisposed, unable to attend 
meetings much afterwards ; and, in some 
short time, he was affected with a morti- 
fication in his foot, which put a period to 
his existence here. The means and me- 
dicines which were judged necessary to 
be used in his case, tended in a great de- 
gree, to stupify his mental faculties ; 
which is much to be regretted : but, while 
reason and recollection were continued, 
his expressions bespoke a mind, peaceful, 
calm and resigned. In this trying illness, 
he was preserved meek, humble and pa- 
tient : and quietly departed this life the 
twenty- seventh of Second Month, 1792, 



95 

aged 62 years ; a minister 40 years ; and 
we doubt not, is entered into the joy of 
his Lord, and into his Master's rest. 

His remains were interred in our bury- 
ing ground the Second day of the month 
follou ing, after a meeting previously held 
at the meeting-house on the occasion, 
which was graciously owned by Divine 
favour, and several living testimonies 
were then borne. 

His ministry amongst us at home was 
truly acceptable and edifying, being re- 
newedly under the precious influence of 
the Gospel, and often, in commemoration 
of the manifold blessings graciously ex- 
tended by our bountiful Creator : and 
having himself, as he was wont to express, 
largely experienced Divine mercy and 
compassion, he was much clothed with 
charity towards others. 

He was generally and much beloved ; 
benevolent, hospitable and kind ; an affec- 



96 



tionate husband, and a sincere sympathize 
ing friend. 

Signed in and on behalf of our three 
weeks Men's meeting, held by adjourn- 
ment in Cork, fifteenth of Fourth month, 
1792, by 

Ebenezer Deavcs^ John Carroll, 
Isaac Haughton, Edward Hatton, 

Richard Allen, Benjamin Horner, 

Humphreys Manders, Edward Russell, 



Joseph Doyle, 
Joseph Garratt, 
Joseph Hughes, 
Joshua Humphreys, 
John Newsom, 
William Wright, 
James Abell, 
Joshua Beale, Jun. 
John Fennell, 
Richard Abell, 
Abraham Abell, 
William Lecky, 
John Eustace, 
Benjamin Eustace, 



Joshua White, 
Sara. Beale, Caleh, 
William Abbott, 
Gabriel Fisher, 
Mark Ailment, 
Isaac Carroll, 
Thomas Abbott, 
William ^immons, 
Benjamin Wilson, 
Tho. Knight-Alby, 
Thomas Hughes, 
John Davis, 
George Corlett, 
William Westcomb, 



97 

Samuel Newsom, Charles Goin, 
John Morris, John Manders, 

Thomas Harris, Samuel Wright, 

Reuben Harvey, Jun. Sam. Newsom, Jun. 
John M'Donnel, Dennis Newsom, 

Benjamin Haughton, J. Newsom, 
Isaac Robinson, Edward Hatton, Jun. 

J.Barcroft Haughton, Richard Montjoy, 
John Lecky, Joseph Haughton. 

Joseph Pike, 

Read and approved in our quarterly 
meeting for Munster province, held at 
Clonmel, twenty-third of Fourth Month, 
1792, and in, by order, and on behalf 
thereof, signed by 

SAMUEL DAVIS, ClerL 

Read and approved in our national 
-half-year's meeting, held in Dublin, by 
adjournments from the twenty- ninth of 
Fourth Month, to the third of the Fifth 
Month, 1792, inclusive, and in, and on 
behalf thereof, signed by 

JACOB HANCOCK, Jun. Clerk, 

END, 



ml^y,. ■■'' -W, '■'' '/^jft 



^M-^'^ ■ 



■ ^--i 



m,i 



m 





Mi 






^:M 

















^>;/. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



019 566 772 A 



%>•=-•. V 



\r- 



i^^\ 



..♦^■-.-iy 



w:.. 



""tS"': 






J. \ 



:^* 






^« N^>is>^/ 






/^-^ 



1^ 







f 






it 



